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Superb Public Spaces

How can we improve the physical beauty of our community?

What is Superb Public Spaces?

According to the Knight Foundation's Soul of the Community Study, 'Superb Public Spaces,' is the physical beauty of the community including the availability of parks and green spaces. Projects in this focus area enhance the beauty and physical setting of the community.

2018 Connected Communities Grant Recipients

The following nonprofits received a Connected Communities grant for their work in the 'Superb Public Spaces' area. Check back to this page throughout the year for updates on these projects.

Cola Town Bike Collective; Columbia Cycling Transportation Network – The Cola Town Bike Collective will build a modular, scalable network that provides visitors and residents access to the region’s public green-ways, business centers, and recreational parks. The information will be accessible through a comprehensive web-based app as well as promotions at the Soda City Market and public work stands throughout the city center.

Columbia (SC) Chapter, The Links, Inc.; Links to a Healthy Lifestyle – An expansion of the exercise fitness trail at Burton Pack Elementary School will place kid-friendly activity signage and park benches along the trail.

Edisto Habitat for Humanity; The Michael G. Salley Community Park – The development of a new community park in the area of Kings Road, Orangeburg, SC.

Town of North; Beautification of 178 & 321 Intersection – The Town of North will landscape and beautify the southwest corner at the intersection of Highways 321 and 178 with rose plantings and a utility box wrap.

West Columbia Beautification Foundation; West Columbia Enabling Park – An all-inclusive enabling park for children and individuals of all capabilities will afford everyone the opportunity to feel welcome and part of the community.

Previous Connected Communities Grant Recipients

City of West Columbia (2015):State Street Beautification Project - Barren sidewalks and bland streetscapes will be transformed into a more inviting, visitor-friendly area that will aid economic development.

​Doko Meadows Park Foundation(2016): Amphitheatre Project - First class performances, with arts and community events have a new home within Blythewood's 25-acre, master-planned Doko Meadows Park. The Doko Meadows Park Foundation constructed a new amphitheatre, welcoming audiences and visitors of all socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, and abilities.

Historic Columbia (2017): Hampton-Preston Garden Phase 2 Rehabilitation - Phase 2 of the transformation of the historic Hampton-Preston gardens will continue to turn them into a gathering place, adding light, signage and public WiFi for visitors to access the virtual garden tour.

Riverbanks Society(2016):Waterfall Junction at the Riverbanks Botanical Garden- Waterfall Junction-a brand new attraction within the Riverbanks Botanical Garden, which opened in April 2016- shelters three acres of ponds, creeks, falls and meadows; inviting visitors of all ages to connect with nature through hands-on exploration, imaginative learning, and social offerings. The grant provides funding for public gathering and education sites within the new attraction.​

Saluda Shoals Foundation (2015):St. Andrews Road Expansion- The conversion of an abandoned industrial site into an enjoyable green space for the community will demonstrate pride in, and access to, beautiful spaces for everyone.

Vista Neighborhood Association (2017): Utility Box Wraps - Decoration of traffic and utility signal boxes with local art and historical information in the popular Vista of Columbia.